| Front Page |
By Hassan Ismail Bulale
The so-called reconciliation process for Somali warlords and faction leaders has nothing to do with Somaliland, because this self-developed unrecognized state has taken many splendid democratic measures, including municipal and presidential elections respectively, whereas war-torn Italian Somalia is still under the control of bloodthirsty warlords. Thus we wonder the prime reason why the international community is losing sight of the fact that Somaliland and Somalia were, are, and will forever be two neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa.
Somalilanders have the right of self-determination. They cannot be coerced into joining Somalia. Of all the democratic steps taken by Somaliland, so far, without any global assistance, the most historical one was the presidential election in which two opposition parties and the governing party participated. In the end, the ruling party, UDUB, won the election through a handful of votes. Despite those tremendous achievements accomplished by Somaliland, the global community still clings to the futile dream of Somali unity.
We, Somalilanders, do hereby notify the international community, particularly the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, to grant us international recognition, so that we could contribute to the reconciliation process. Since we are Somalis, we can do a better job of mediating between the various factions in southern Somalia than foreigners.
Finally, the only solution for the Somali crisis is to recognize Somaliland, which has managed to establish peace and stability through its own efforts. Once Somaliland is recognized, then Somalilanders can start mediating among the Somali factions, a job for which as fellow Somalis, they are very qualified.
Home | Contact us | Links | Archives